Fish Tacos Recipe

How to Choose and Cut Fish for Perfect Tacos

Choosing the right fish is essential for making exceptional fish tacos. White fish is the most recommended option for two main reasons: its mild flavor and quick cooking time.

Best Fish Options

White fish is ideal for its texture and neutral flavor that allows seasonings and sauces to shine. The most recommended varieties are:

Cod
Mahi-mahi
Halibut
Tilapia
Bass
Snapper

Cooking Considerations

The choice will also depend on the cooking method:

For frying: Light and flaky fish like sole are ideal as they absorb less oil and become crispy on the outside.
For searing: Firmer fish like cod or halibut better maintain their shape and develop a perfect golden crust.
For grilling: Resistant fish like mahi-mahi better withstand direct heat without falling apart.

Cutting Technique

For perfect cuts:

Cut the fish into strips approximately 1.27 cm (½ inch) wide to ensure uniform and quick cooking.
The ideal length is approximately 12.7 cm (5 inches) to fit perfectly in the tortilla.

Additional Tips

The fish must be completely thawed before cutting to prevent it from breaking during cutting.
Use a sharp knife to achieve clean cuts and prevent the fish from crumbling.
Keep the fish refrigerated until preparation time to maintain its freshness and texture.

Which type of tortilla is better: corn or flour?

The choice between corn and flour tortillas for fish tacos has important differences worth considering.

Benefits of Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are the most traditional and healthy option for several reasons:

Contain fewer calories (64 calories vs 80 calories per tortilla), making them ideal for a balanced diet.
Provide more fiber and minerals like calcium and magnesium, essential nutrients for good health.
Are gluten-free and low in sodium and fat, making them suitable for people with dietary restrictions.
Their carbohydrates are of better quality thanks to the nixtamalization process, which improves their nutritional value.

Benefits of Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas have some practical advantages:

Are more resistant and flexible, making them ideal for large and abundant tacos.
Maintain temperature better, allowing tacos to stay warm longer.
Are generally larger, perfect for when you want to add more ingredients.
Have a softer and fluffier texture, making them more versatile for different preparations.

Which to Choose for Fish Tacos?

For traditional fish tacos, corn tortillas are the best choice because:

They better complement the fish flavor, allowing natural flavors to stand out.
They are the most authentic option in traditional Mexican cuisine, especially for Baja-style fish tacos.
Their smaller size is ideal for simple tacos, allowing better flavor enjoyment.

However, if you prefer larger or Tex-Mex style tacos, flour tortillas can be a practical alternative, especially when dealing with multiple ingredients.

Secrets for Achieving Crispy Exterior and Juicy Interior

Achieving the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and juicy interior is one of the biggest challenges when preparing fish tacos, but with the right techniques, it's possible to achieve professional results.

Initial Preparation

Make sure the fish is completely dry before starting, using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
Season the fish with salt and pepper before applying any batter, allowing the seasonings to penetrate well into the meat.

Battering Techniques

Classic option: Dredge the fish in flour, then beaten egg, and again in flour for a double crispy layer. This traditional technique ensures a coating that won't come off during cooking.
Eggless option: Use a mixture of chickpea flour with very cold water to create a light batter. This alternative results in a lighter and crispier texture.
Breadcrumb alternative: Cover the fish directly with breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. This option is ideal for those who prefer a more substantial coating.

Temperature and Cooking

The oil should be at an ideal temperature of 170-180°C (338-356°F). This temperature is crucial for achieving perfect browning without the fish absorbing too much oil.
To check if the oil is ready: the fish should sink and then float. This is the best way to ensure the correct temperature.
Cook over medium-high heat to achieve uniform browning without burning the exterior. Maintaining constant temperature is key for perfect cooking.

Essential Tips

Don't overcrowd the pan, as this reduces oil temperature and affects the final texture of the coating.
Avoid constantly moving the fish during cooking, allowing a uniform golden crust to form.
If the fish has skin, place it directly on the pan to achieve a crispier texture and prevent it from coming apart.

After Cooking

Place the fish on paper towels to remove excess oil. This helps maintain the crispy texture for longer.
Serve immediately to maintain crispiness. Timing is crucial for enjoying the fish at its optimal point.

Essential Ingredients

To prepare delicious fish tacos, you'll need fresh, quality ingredients. The perfect combination of these elements will guarantee professional results.

White fish: 450g of cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi cut into 2.5 cm strips - Main base of the dish that provides lean protein and firm texture.
Corn tortillas: 12 small units - Wrap the fish and provide traditional Mexican flavor.
All-purpose flour: 1 cup - Creates a protective layer and helps the batter adhere.
Light beer: 1 cup - Adds lightness and bubbles to the batter for extra crispiness.
Egg: 1 unit - Acts as a binder for the batter and helps create a golden crust.
Purple cabbage: 2 cups finely shredded - Provides crunchy texture and freshness.
Carrot: 1 unit shredded - Adds color and natural sweetness to the slaw.
Fresh cilantro: 1 cup chopped - Provides freshness and characteristic aroma.
Lime: 2 units - Enhance the fish flavor and add acidity.
Sour cream: 1 cup - Base for traditional white sauce.
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup - Adds creaminess to the sauce.
Vegetable oil: 2 cups - For frying the fish until golden.
Salt: 1 teaspoon - Enhances all flavors.
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon - Adds mild heat.
Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon - Gives the traditional spiced touch.
Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon - Adds depth of flavor.

How to Make Fish Tacos Step by Step

The preparation of delicious fish tacos requires attention to detail and following a specific order. This step-by-step recipe will guarantee professional results, combining crispy textures with fresh flavors.

Step 1: Fish Preparation

Completely dry the 450g of fish with paper towels and cut into 2.5 cm strips, ensuring all pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
Season the strips with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 2: Batter Preparation

In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until well combined to create the batter base.
In another container, beat 1 egg with 1 cup light beer until obtaining a homogeneous mixture that will serve as the liquid for the batter.

Step 3: Slaw Preparation

Mix 2 cups shredded purple cabbage with 1 shredded carrot in a large bowl, adding a pinch of salt to release water.
Incorporate 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and the juice of 1 lime, mixing all ingredients well.

Step 4: Sauce Preparation

Combine 1 cup sour cream with 1/2 cup mayonnaise in a small bowl, mixing until achieving a uniform consistency.
Add the juice of 1 lime and chopped cilantro to taste, stirring all ingredients well.

Step 5: Frying the Fish

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a large skillet until reaching 170-180°C (338-356°F), verifying temperature with a thermometer.
Dredge each fish strip in the flour mixture, then in the beer mixture, and again in flour to achieve a thick coating.

Step 6: Final Cooking

Fry the fish strips in small batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
Place fried fish on paper towels to remove excess oil, maintaining the crispy texture.

Step 7: Taco Assembly

Heat the 12 corn tortillas on a hot skillet or directly over the flame, keeping them covered to stay soft.
Place a portion of fish in each tortilla, followed by the slaw and finish with the creamy sauce.

For best results, serve the tacos immediately while the fish is hot and crispy. Serve with additional lime wedges and hot sauce to taste for a complete culinary experience.

How to Keep Tortillas Warm and Flexible While Serving

Keeping tortillas at their optimal point during serving is essential for enjoying delicious fish tacos. Here are the most effective techniques:

Using a Tortilla Warmer

Tortilla warmers are specially designed tools that:

Retain the necessary steam to keep tortillas soft and flexible, creating a humid environment that prevents them from drying out during serving.
Help maintain heat throughout the meal, keeping a constant temperature that allows you to enjoy each taco at its optimal point.
Prevent tortillas from drying and breaking, thanks to their design that maintains moisture and heat uniformly.

Effective Home Alternatives

If you don't have a tortilla warmer, you can use:

A clean cotton kitchen towel to wrap the tortillas, which acts as a natural insulator maintaining heat and moisture.
A traditional basket covered with a cloth, a traditional Mexican method that allows tortillas to breathe while maintaining their temperature.
Aluminum foil to maintain heat, creating an airtight seal that preserves the temperature and flexibility of the tortillas.

Heating Techniques

To keep tortillas in optimal condition:

Heat them on a comal or skillet over medium-high heat, making sure the surface is hot enough to cook them without burning.
Flip them immediately to prevent sticking, allowing both sides to heat evenly without drying out.
Place them inside the warmer or cloth immediately after heating to maintain the heat and newly generated moisture.

Additional Tips

Don't stack too many tortillas together, as they can stick and create a compact mass that's difficult to separate when serving.
Keep the container closed between servings, preserving the heat and moisture needed to maintain tortillas at their optimal point.
If tortillas harden, you can revive them by lightly spraying them with water and reheating them on the comal until they recover their texture.

Perfect Side Dishes to Accompany Fish Tacos

The right side dishes enhance the flavor of fish tacos and provide complementary textures and flavors that elevate the dish.

Fresh Salads

Shredded cabbage or coleslaw with carrot, lime, and cilantro, a refreshing combination that provides the perfect crunch and balance of flavors.
Traditional pico de gallo with tomato, onion, cilantro, and serrano pepper, a fresh preparation that adds a spicy touch and vibrant flavors.
Avocado citrus salad, a creamy mixture that adds smoothness and an acidic touch that perfectly complements the fish.

Sauces and Dressings

Avocado and lime sauce, a creamy and refreshing option that enhances the fish flavors without overshadowing them.
Mexican sour cream, an essential element that helps balance the spiciness and adds creaminess.
Green cilantro sauce, a fresh preparation that adds an herbaceous touch and a characteristic Mexican flavor.
Pickled red onions, a garnish that provides a contrast of acidity and vibrant color to the dish.

Hot Side Dishes

Buttered rice with lime, an ideal substantial accompaniment that absorbs flavors and complements more robust fish.
Refried beans, a traditional side dish that provides consistency and a complementary earthy flavor.
Grilled vegetables, a healthy option that adds a delicious smoky touch and varied textures.

Traditional Accompaniments

Fresh limes cut into wedges, an essential citrus that enhances marine flavors and adds freshness.
Finely sliced radishes, a vegetable that adds a natural spicy and crunchy touch.
Chopped fresh cilantro, an aromatic herb that provides freshness and the characteristic flavor of Mexican cuisine.

How to Properly Store Fish Tacos

Proper storage of fish tacos is essential to maintain their flavor and avoid health issues.

Storage by Components

Store fried fish in an airtight container, letting it cool completely before covering to prevent condensation from making it soggy.
Store tortillas separately wrapped in a clean cloth or aluminum foil to maintain their texture.
Keep sauces and garnishes in individual containers to prevent ingredients from mixing.

Temperature and Storage Time

Refrigerate components within 2 hours after preparation.
Prepared fish tacos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days maximum.
Keep the refrigerator temperature at 4°C (39°F) or lower, using the coldest part to store the fish.

Important Recommendations

Don't store fish in aluminum containers or paper, as they can alter the flavor or absorb moisture.
Remove any sauce residue from the fish before storing to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Avoid stacking fish fillets to prevent bacterial growth.

Proper Reheating

Reheat the fish in the oven at 150°C (300°F) to maintain its crispy texture.
Avoid using the microwave as it can make the fish lose its texture.
Heat tortillas separately just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What type of fish is best for tacos?

A: Firm white fish are the best option, such as cod, tilapia, mahi-mahi, halibut, or snapper. These fish maintain their shape during cooking and have a mild flavor that allows seasonings and sauces to shine through.

Q: Why do corn tortillas break?

A: Corn tortillas need to be properly heated before using them. Heat them on a comal or dry skillet, flipping them several times until they become soft and flexible.

Q: How much fish do you need per taco?

A: A quarter pound (approximately 115 grams) of raw fish is the ideal amount for a generous taco.

Q: Can you bake the fish instead of frying it?

A: Yes, you can bake the fish at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.